phrase Definition
- 1a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause
- 2a short musical passage or motif
Using phrase: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "phrase" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The phrase 'once in a blue moon' means something that happens very rarely.
Example
The phrase 'let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal a secret.
Example
In music, the phrase is a unit of melody that has a complete musical sense of its own.
phrase Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with phrase
Example
I love the way she uses language; she has a unique turn of phrase.
a well-known sentence or phrase, typically associated with a particular famous person or character
Example
The comedian's catch phrase was 'I'm not worthy!'
the way in which something is expressed or written
Example
Her phrasing of the question made it difficult to understand what she was asking.
Origins of phrase
from Latin 'phrasis', meaning 'diction'
Summary: phrase in Brief
A 'phrase' [freyz] is a small group of words that form a conceptual unit within a clause. It can also refer to a short musical passage. Examples include 'once in a blue moon' and 'let the cat out of the bag.' 'Phrase' extends into phrases like 'turn of phrase,' referring to a particular way of saying something, and 'catch phrase,' a well-known sentence or phrase associated with a famous person or character.
